Some spots in UNCW baseball lineup still undecided

Published: Sunday, February 10, 2013 at 2:32 a.m.

Last Modified: Sunday, February 10, 2013 at 2:32 a.m.

UNCW enters the 2013 baseball season optimistic and eager to pursue another CAA title, advance to an NCAA Regional – and beyond. A strong pitching staff, five solid returning everyday players and a talented freshman class fuel those hopes.

Corey Dick (.302, eight HR) and Hunter Ridge (.340, 41 RBI) will split first base and designated hitter duties. Surehanded second baseman Michael Bass (.326, 20 SB) returns to anchor the middle of the infield and likely slide into the leadoff role. In 2012, Drew Farber (.277, 34 RBI) became only the third UNCW catcher to start at least 50 games since 1998. He's full strength following offseason hip surgery and ready to settle in behind the plate.

Only one outfielder returns, but he's a good one – Tyler Molinaro, who improved his swing and fitness since last season. He'll aim to build on his power numbers (16 HR, 48 RBI) while raising his .273 average and reducing his team-high 66 strikeouts.

All but Farber earned preseason All-CAA recognition and Farber's production should improve now that he's healthy. Write their names in ink on the lineup card.

However – unlike last season when nine Seahawks made at least 50 starts in a 62-game season – a variety of players could crack the rest of coach Mark Scalf's batting order this season, depending on the matchup and recent performance. UNCW loaded up on left-handed hitters in recent seasons, giving the coaching staff options. Position battles through the fall and preseason revealed certain players vying for the four openings are stronger in the field, some are stronger at the plate.

Finding the right mix of offense and fielding to support that high-level pitching is critical, Scalf said. And, of course, with unproven players nothing is certain until regular-season competition begins. Evaluating players as they go against one another is fine. But nothing is concrete until those players face unfamiliar pitchers under game pressure.

Here are the key battles and the players, as it stands one week before opening day:

Third base

This appears to be a platoon situation with junior Ryan LaGrange and senior Matt Keeler. LaGrange, a right-handed batter, went 1-for-9 in 11 games last season. Keeler, who bats left, hit .259 in 16 games, and started five times.

Left field

Ridge played left field last summer in the Coastal Plain League, and UNCW used him there some during the fall. He's still in the picture, but is more likely to at least start the season in the first base / designated hitter split with Dick.

This is one of the more unsettled spots, with Luke Dunlap and Josh Abshire in the mix, although Joe Bertone also started there during the annual intrasquad Blue-Teal World Series.

Dunlap, a sophomore, went 2-for-6 last season as a freshman, although he homered in his first college at-bat. Abshire, who is also the backup catcher, started seven games in the outfield, appeared in 22, and batted .167. Bertone is a freshman.

Center field

It will take more than one player to replace All-CAA performer Thomas Pope, whose career batting average of .349 is sixth on the school's career chart. And it looks as if two freshmen, including one hometown product, could emerge.

Andy Austin, who came in as an infielder, gives the Seahawks a left-handed presence, while former Ashley High School star Christian Wolfe bats right-handed. Abshire could also figure in the mix. While Scalf would prefer to see one player take command of the job, he's fine with a committee approach in the short term.

Micah Jarrett expected to be a factor in center, but is probably out for the season with a shoulder injury.

Shortstop

Of the four vacancies, this one has a clear favorite as the opening day starter although it's unclear if freshman Terence Connelly will make it his everyday gig. Scalf praised Connelly's range, footwork and preparation in the field and thinks he'll provide adequate offense. But there are plenty of options behind him, including LaGrange and junior Luis Renvill, who can be spectacular yet inconsistent.

<p><a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/topic71"><b>UNCW</b></a> enters the 2013 baseball season optimistic and eager to pursue another CAA title, advance to an NCAA Regional – and beyond. A strong pitching staff, five solid returning everyday players and a talented freshman class fuel those hopes.</p><p>Corey Dick (.302, eight HR) and Hunter Ridge (.340, 41 RBI) will split first base and designated hitter duties. Surehanded second baseman Michael Bass (.326, 20 SB) returns to anchor the middle of the infield and likely slide into the leadoff role. In 2012, Drew Farber (.277, 34 RBI) became only the third UNCW catcher to start at least 50 games since 1998. He's full strength following offseason hip surgery and ready to settle in behind the plate.</p><p>Only one outfielder returns, but he's a good one – Tyler Molinaro, who improved his swing and fitness since last season. He'll aim to build on his power numbers (16 HR, 48 RBI) while raising his .273 average and reducing his team-high 66 strikeouts. </p><p>All but Farber earned preseason All-CAA recognition and Farber's production should improve now that he's healthy. Write their names in ink on the lineup card.</p><p>However – unlike last season when nine Seahawks made at least 50 starts in a 62-game season – a variety of players could crack the rest of coach Mark Scalf's batting order this season, depending on the matchup and recent performance. UNCW loaded up on left-handed hitters in recent seasons, giving the coaching staff options. Position battles through the fall and preseason revealed certain players vying for the four openings are stronger in the field, some are stronger at the plate.</p><p>Finding the right mix of offense and fielding to support that high-level pitching is critical, Scalf said. And, of course, with unproven players nothing is certain until regular-season competition begins. Evaluating players as they go against one another is fine. But nothing is concrete until those players face unfamiliar pitchers under game pressure.</p><p>Here are the key battles and the players, as it stands one week before opening day: </p><p><b>Third base</b></p><p>This appears to be a platoon situation with junior Ryan LaGrange and senior Matt Keeler. LaGrange, a right-handed batter, went 1-for-9 in 11 games last season. Keeler, who bats left, hit .259 in 16 games, and started five times. </p><p><b>Left field</b></p><p>Ridge played left field last summer in the Coastal Plain League, and UNCW used him there some during the fall. He's still in the picture, but is more likely to at least start the season in the first base / designated hitter split with Dick.</p><p>This is one of the more unsettled spots, with Luke Dunlap and Josh Abshire in the mix, although Joe Bertone also started there during the annual intrasquad Blue-Teal World Series.</p><p>Dunlap, a sophomore, went 2-for-6 last season as a freshman, although he homered in his first college at-bat. Abshire, who is also the backup catcher, started seven games in the outfield, appeared in 22, and batted .167. Bertone is a freshman.</p><p><b>Center field</b></p><p>It will take more than one player to replace All-CAA performer Thomas Pope, whose career batting average of .349 is sixth on the school's career chart. And it looks as if two freshmen, including one hometown product, could emerge.</p><p>Andy Austin, who came in as an infielder, gives the Seahawks a left-handed presence, while former Ashley High School star Christian Wolfe bats right-handed. Abshire could also figure in the mix. While Scalf would prefer to see one player take command of the job, he's fine with a committee approach in the short term.</p><p>Micah Jarrett expected to be a factor in center, but is probably out for the season with a shoulder injury.</p><p><b>Shortstop</b></p><p>Of the four vacancies, this one has a clear favorite as the opening day starter although it's unclear if freshman Terence Connelly will make it his everyday gig. Scalf praised Connelly's range, footwork and preparation in the field and thinks he'll provide adequate offense. But there are plenty of options behind him, including LaGrange and junior Luis Renvill, who can be spectacular yet inconsistent.</p><p> <i></p><p><a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/topic94"><b>Brian Mull</b></a>: 343-2034</p><p>On <a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/news41"><b>Twitter</b></a>: @BGMull</i></p>